
New Delhi: High & Low – John Galliano, a new documentary, delves deeply into the complicated life of the renowned British designer, who is both adored and reviled by many in the fashion world. The title, however, gives you an idea of what you’re going to get: a portrayal of the fashion designer’s spectacular ascent and terrible fall from grace.
In the film, which Kevin Macdonald directed, we see Galliano and several other fashion legends in open interviews.
Go behind the curtain of the fashion industry in Kevin Macdonald’s HIGH & LOW – JOHN GALLIANO.
Streaming April 26. A MUBI Release. pic.twitter.com/WRQQtYcqKf
— MUBI US (@mubiusa) April 19, 2024
Plot
John Galliano’s rise and fall is the subject of this riveting and introspective documentary. Beginning with his early years, the documentary follows Galliano as he rises through the ranks of the fashion industry, showcasing his time as creative director at Givenchy, Dior, and Maison Margiela, among other illustrious institutions. His antisemitic crisis in 2011—which cost him his job at Dior and destroyed his reputation—was the lowest point of his professional life.
He was finally fired from his position in 2011 when a Paris security camera captured him yelling racist and antisemitic slurs at passers-by. Through candid interviews with Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour, and others, the documentary follows Galliano’s tumultuous career as it unfolds.
The Story Behind
After rising to prominence in 1995 as a youthful head designer at Givenchy, Galliano was recruited as creative director in 1996 by Christian Dior. Before launching his own line, he devoted almost fifteen years to working relentlessly on Dior’s seasonal collections. Exquisite sets and makeup portrayed tales in his dramatic, over-the-top runway displays.
When Galliano made a slew of racist and antisemitic remarks in 2010 and 2011, the film implies that he was under the influence of drink and drugs and overworked. There was immediate indignation when the video of him stating “I love Hitler” became public. Following his dismissal from Dior, his conviction in a French antisemitism trial, and his subsequent exile from the fashion industry, he reappeared after a few years.
Kate Moss reminisces on her formative relationship with influential fashion designer John Galliano in HIGH & LOW – JOHN GALLIANO, the unflinching latest documentary from Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald. pic.twitter.com/2p6YrOwhI3
— MUBI (@mubi) April 19, 2024
When and Where to Watch?
On April 26, 2024, MUBI will premiere the riveting documentary that chronicles the life and career of fashion designer John Galliano.
A compelling look at the rise-and-fall of the former creative director of Dior, HIGH & LOW – JOHN GALLIANO is streaming April 26.
A MUBI Release. pic.twitter.com/2XwQx9dOsU
— MUBI US (@mubiusa) April 21, 2024
Cast and Crew
The documentary, which is helmed by Kevin Macdonald, includes John Galliano, Edward Enninful, Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, and Anna Wintour with other industry heavyweights.